Thousands of swimmers participated in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Coney Island.

News 12 is told as many as 4,000 participants were expected to attend the event.

The event is hosted by the Polar Bear Club, and everyone is able to participate for free.

The group supports Coney Island nonprofits like the Alliance for Coney Island and the New York Aquarium.

This is the 120th year of the Polar Bear Plunge.